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History of Surf Life Saving

By Wilster

  • First appearance

    The first sightings of Surf Life Savers on Sydney beaches dated back to the year 1870 and small clubs began to form

  • First Surf Belts

    In the year 1907 the first surf belt and reel was used on a beach in Sydney.

  • Red and Yellow flags

    The first red and yellow flags were brought into Australia

  • Powered Vehicles

    In 1957 surf life savers started to use powered vehicles.

  • Nipper Program

    The National Nipper program started in the year 1960

  • Iron Man

    In 1964 the iron man sport was created and people began competing in it

  • Red and Yellow flags

    In 1980 red and yellow flags became compulsory on Australian beaches

  • Female Surf Life Savers

    In 1980 a rule was passed allowing women to become proper patrolling surf life savers

  • Coolangatta Gold

    The first Coolangatta Gold race was in 1984 and was won by Guy Leech and $20,000 prize money

  • First Super Series Race

    The first Uncle Toby's Super Series was held in 1989

  • Life Saver

    In 2007 the first year of the life saver was celebrated in Australia.

  • List of clubs so far in SA

    Aldinga Bay SLSC
    Beachport Surf Life Saving
    Brighton SLSC
    Chiton Rocks SLSC
    Christies Beach SLSC
    Glenelg SLSC
    Goolwa SLSC
    Grange SLSC
    Henley SLSC
    Moana SLSC
    Normanville SLSC
    North Haven SLSC
    Port Elliot SLSC
    Port Noarlunga SLSC
    Robe SLSC
    Seacliff SLSC
    Semaphore SLSC
    Somerton SLSC
    South Port SLSC
    West Beach SLSC
    Whyalla SLSC